Identifying the Dimensions and Components of Internet of Things (IoT) Development in Schools Based on Futurology

Purpose: Futurology plays a significant role in advancing organizational goals and mitigating organizational problems and challenges. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the dimensions and components of Internet of Things development in schools based on future studies. Methodology: In a descriptive qualitative study, 19 academic and organizational experts from the educational sector of Tehran were interviewed in the academic year 2020-2021 using a semi-structured method. In this study, the sample size was determined according to the principle of theoretical saturation and was selected through purposive sampling. The research tool was a semi-structured interview, whose validity was confirmed through triangulation and whose reliability was calculated at 0.88 using the agreement coefficient between two coders. The data of this study were analyzed using thematic analysis in MAXQDA software, version 2020. Findings: The analysis indicated that the development of the Internet of Things in schools based on future studies encompasses 26 components across 7 dimensions. These dimensions include the elimination of time constraints (with 3 components), elimination of spatial constraints (with 4 components), reduction of infrastructure costs (with 4 components), knowledge management (with 3 components), professional competence (with 3 components), information technology (with 3 components), and effectiveness of the educational system (with 6 components). Ultimately, a thematic network for the development of the Internet of Things in schools based on future studies was established. Conclusion: The model of dimensions and components designed in this study can assist specialists and educational system officials in improving the development of the Internet of Things in schools.